Nearly 500 children in the region have been sexually exploited or are at risk of being targeted, according to a report.

The statistics, for the first six months of 2014, give a proper picture of the scale of the problem in the West Midlands, according to the report’s author.

But the figure is likely to still be a “significant underestimate” of the issue - with many victims too afraid to seek help.

The report states that a disproportionate number of Pakistani men are suspected of abusing and exploiting children on the streets.

White male suspects are predominantly involved in online offending.

Author Stephen Rimmer, the region’s strategic lead on preventing violence against vulnerable people, said: “This assessment gives us a proper picture for the first time of the scale and nature of the CSE threat across the West Midlands.

“Since this snapshot we have put into practice common standards and a shared regional approach to coordinate our operational activity, we have launched an awareness raising campaign to inform young people, parents and communities and we have engaged directly with front line staff - teachers, GPs, taxi drivers and many others.

“Over the past 12 months our public protection unit has been doubled in strength to some 800 officers and staff. Around 10 per cent of the entire force are engaged in the fight which shows just how committed we are to tackling CSE.”